What Is the Proper Way to Clean Belly Button Piercings?

Belly button rings are available in a variety of metals.

Belly button rings are worn to adorn the navel. The rings usually come in a circular or barbell shape and are available in a variety of metals such as gold, silver and surgical steel. It is important to know how to care for your belly button piercing. Keeping the navel area clean will help prevent infection and migration of the ring.

Inflammatory Stage

The first stage following belly button piercing is the inflammatory stage. During this stage, you should clean the piercing with the antiseptic solution provided by the piercer. If the piercing professional did not send you away with antiseptic solution, you can find it at your local drugstore. During the inflammatory stage, your body will attempt to heal itself, and this may result in crusting. This crust should not be confused with pus stemming from infection. Using the antiseptic solution will help keep the area around the piercing moist.

Reconstructive Stage

The reconstructive stage can last several months following a piercing. This is the stage where the tissue begins to grow back. However, the tissue is still weak and can be prone to infection if aftercare is ignored. In terms of healing, this is the most important phase, and the area around the piercing should be cleaned with an antimicrobial soap. Unlike the first stage, when you needed to clean the area several times a day, during the reconstructive stage, you can clean whenever you shower or bathe.

Maturation Stage

The final stage of healing following a belly button piercing is the maturation phase. During this stage, the new tissue will be fully formed and the skin around the piercing will be healed. There should be no redness at this stage, and the scar tissue will begin to fade. You will no longer need a special cleaning routine and can resume using regular washing in that area.

General Cleaning

The belly button area will be sensitive and may still hurt after the piercing. Clean around the piercing with a cotton swab. Avoid using cotton balls unless they are completely soaked with solution, as cleaning with a dry cotton ball may result in small pieces of fabric being left on the piercing site. Do not use rubbing alcohol, because it may kill the new tissue cells. Be sure to always wash your hands before cleaning the piercing.

References

• My Belly Ring: Belly Ring Piercing Aftercare
• Oriental Dancer; Belly Button Ring; Natasha Ivanova

Resources

• Navel Rings: Body Piercing Care